batman, I agree with you on 2 parts on AC trucks; less parts ( no brushes, most encoders are integral, less brake wear ), and quicker response and ramp speeds. However, about that less batt consumtion, it's in the eye of the beholder. A lot of mfg's are using key on hours to compare and promote the benefits of ac. It's an easy sale when you say an ac truck can get12 hrs out of a batt when your using the key on meter. If you compare apples to apples ( traction hours to traction hours) there is not that much difference. It's all about the operator, truck, batt condition. Don't get me wrong, I'm pro AC, but promoting 1 1/2 - 2 shifts is not real life.